It would be fair to say that AEW's debut outing entitled 'Double or Nothing' was a massive hit with wrestling fans worldwide. Not only did it generate a lot of buzz worldwide, it actually did some decent pay-per-view numbers too.
To prove that the first time wasn't a fluke, AEW also managed to sell out AEW All Out, the successor to All In, in just fifteen minutes. The company seems to be doing everything right at the moment and seems to be riding high on a wave of momentum right now.
However, all of this could change in a matter of minutes with wrong booking decisions. Which is why here's a checklist of things that AEW should avoid doing to ensure that Fyter Fest goes off very smoothly this weekend.
As always, I invite your thoughts, views and opinions in the comments section below.
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#5 Have the show go on for far too long
My only complaint with All In was that the show went on for far too long and the main event had to be rushed because of the very same reason. Even Double or Nothing went on a little longer than I would have liked, if you also consider the pre-show. To me, Fyter Fest does not have nearly the same amount of hype as either of the two shows and that is why I think it needs to not drone on.
AEW's style is usually to have a top heavy show, much like the UFC does. WWE likes to have one big match followed by another which is not necessarily as big as the one that preceded it. AEW slots the bigger matches for the end.
I think the undercard matches should be short. They don't want the audience to tune out and lose interest.
#4 Have Moxley lose his AEW debut match
There is no chance at all that Jon Moxley will lose his first AEW match. That is unless Kenny Omega decides to show up and seek revenge against him. Or maybe Chris Jericho shows up in an unadvertised appearance in a quest for retribution.
But even if these interferences are to happen, I personally do not think that Moxley should be the one to lose his match. Joey Janela is a great talent but Moxley really needs to win his debut match and establish himself as the top star in the brand new promotion. Even Chris Jericho, legend that he is, is not at the same level as Dean Ambrose is.
Jon Moxley needs all the momentum he can get before he faces Kenny Omega at AEW All Out. Otherwise the main event for the sold out show will suddenly seem like a dud.
#3 Take unnecessary shots at WWE
AEW is a promotion with a lot of goodwill and a very loyal fanbase, in my opinion. The last thing that they should be doing is taking cheap shots at WWE. They should be looking at getting over on their own merit.
When Cody Rhodes broke Triple H's throne with a sledgehammer at Double or Nothing, it made waves worldwide. If he does something similar again, it will just undermine his own show and then there's always the danger that people will perceive AEW as a petty, insecure company.
I quite like the fact that there is a spirit of competitiveness between the two promotions, but I personally wouldn't want a repeat of Cody Rhodes' performance. I mean Jon Moxley ranting about his previous place of employment on 'Talk is Jericho' did come off as very petty indeed.
If you think differently, let me know.
#2 Have Adam Page lose the Four Way match
It's very clear that All Elite Wrestling is going to build their company around Adam Page. So, as talented as Havoc, MJF and Jungle Boy may be, the need of the hour is for Hangman Page to prove that he's a worthy face of the company. Which is why AEW cannot afford to have him lose the big Four Way at Fyter Fest.
Bear in mind that the big attraction for All Out is still Jericho vs. Page for the AEW Championship. Would you want the top contender for the title to look weak before the biggest match of his career, I ask?! I don't think so because it would certainly water down the show.
MJF is a standout superstar and I'm certain that he'll get over on his own, even if he loses the match. There's a lot of time to build the other two gentlemen as top players.
#1 Not have Jericho turn up for the show
I know that the narrative right now is that Chris Jericho will not appear at Fyter Fest because the show is being given away for free. But at the same time, how do you not have arguably the most mainstream figure in your company in your second show?
I think that Jericho should emerge at the end of the show, either taking his frustrations out on Omega or attacking Hangman Page. This would lead seamlessly into the next event and the crowd would also pop for an appearance from this top star.
Jericho is known for popping up at places where you don't expect him to. Which is why I think that it's all too likely that he'll show up at AEW Fyter Fest.
Which of these changes do you think AEW should avoid at the show this weekend, dearest readers?